- Take a moment to pray. Praise God for His Word and ask Him to teach you its truth, just as the psalmist prayed in Psalm 119:12-16, “Praise be to You, O Lord; teach me Your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth. I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your Word.”
- Read 1 Peter 2:9-10
- Peter was a person of Jewish descent, yet this letter was written primarily to Christians of a Gentile (non-Jewish background). In 1 Peter 2:9-10, Peter uses a number of Old Testament allusions to describe New Testament Christians. What are some of the phrases Peter uses to describe Christians in these verses?
- Though there are similarities between Israelites (Jews) and Christians, there are also some marked differences (beyond our belief in Jesus). Take your list above and brainstorm differences between Jews and Christians in the descriptions given. (EXAMPLE: Peter says “chosen race.” This was once only one ethnicity, but now the “race” is a spiritual identity . . . made up of people from all nations and ethnicities who accept Jesus as savior.)
- The Jews were called to be a holy nation. The nation of Israel was a place for other nations to visit and see what God was like. However, the church does more than just exist in our own world . . . we are called to PROCLAIM the Good News and go and shine His marvelous light among the nations. Too many churches/Christians have an Old Testament understanding of our calling. Christians are not merely to have an alternate lifestyle of holiness, but we are to be on a rescue mission with Jesus in this world, helping others connect to the “spiritual house” Jesus is building by faith. What are some things you can do to help proclaim the greatness of Jesus outside the walls of the church this week?
- Throughout this section, we are reminded that it is God’s initiation and mercy that make it possible for us to thrive in the Christian life. We have hope because of Him. His grace has given us new life and purpose. Take a few moments and praise God, thanking Him for His saving work in your life.
To access the entire “True Grace” study of 1 Peter, click here.